Ballet attendees complain about condition of SPAC lawns

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Some attendees of the New York City Ballet performances were unhappy with the condition of the lawn at SPAC and say management should remedy the situation.

Before night one of Phish’s three-day return to the venue July 3, torrential rains took a toll on the grass. This, combined with the foot traffic of sell-out crowds for the other two nights created a messy situation for the lawn audience of the ballet’s one-week summer residency opening on Tuesday.

Members of the Save the Victoria Pool Society have spoken out saying Live Nation should offer money to have the lawn fixed in time for the ballet, since the company signs rock concerts and booked Phish a few days before the ballet’s opening.

Advertisement

“Our particular annoyance is that the lawn was destroyed after Phish,” said Louise Goldstien, a member of the society. “It’s disgusting to see,”

Goldstien has not missed a single ballet since the residency began in 1966 and said the lawn is on a decline.

“People come to the ballet and are dressed up. They don’t want to sit in a pile of dirt,” she said, adding that SPAC is meant for the classical arts and more support should be given to them.

SPAC officials commented in a statement, “As an outdoor venue, one of our greatest assets is our beautiful park setting. However, this also means that we are vulnerable to the damage that can be caused by the weather, as evidenced by the current condition of SPAC’s lawn. Our harsh winter, late spring and the torrential rains of the past month have taken a toll on our lawn, which we deeply regret. However, the exhilarating, world-class performances on our stage and the ambiance of the Spa State Park still offer an experience that is second to none,” said Marcia White, President and Executive Director at SPAC.